Senior/Lead Control systems engineer (PLC or SCADA)

First Recruitment Group; Warrington; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking a Senior/Lead Control Systems Engineer for a 12-month contract in Warrington. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in PLC control systems, particularly in highly regulated industries like Nuclear. Responsibilities include designing and developing control systems, producing documentation, and collaborating with engineering teams. Strong PLC programming skills and attention to detail are essential for this role.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in the design and implementation of PLC control systems.
• Excellent understanding of PLC hardware and software, and communication protocols used in industrial control systems.
• Meticulous attention to detail in programming and system design.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, implement and test PLC-based control systems.
• Produce high-quality engineering design documentation.
• Support the Lead Engineer and Project Manager in maintaining delivery schedules.

Skills

PLC programming languages (IEC61131)

Control system design

Fault-finding and troubleshooting

Experience in highly regulated industries (Nuclear, MOD, Pharmaceutical)

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

Rockwell ControlLogix

Schneider M580 PLC

HMI/SCADA control system applications

Job description

Location: Warrington Sector: Other Job Type: Contract Salary: Market related Reference: SK/R/091197

Role

Our Client has a requirement for Senior/Lead Control Systems Engineers, both PLC or SCADA, who will be required to work on a 12 month contract basis in Warrington/Cumbria/Stockton.

Role Description

To design, develop, implement and test PLC-based control systems, producing high-quality and comprehensive engineering design documentation such as:

• Requirements capture and traceability documentation (URS/RTM)
• System / Functional Design Specifications (SDD/FDS) - Detailed Software System Specifications (SSS)
• Test Specifications (Module/Integration/System/Hardware)
• Operation & Maintenance Manuals (O&M)
• System Rebuild Documentation - I/O, Alarm & Message Schedules
• Support with project Life Time Records / Material Traceability Records
• In addition to the above, the role shall support the Lead Engineer and Project Manager in maintaining the planned delivery schedule, reporting technical issues, changes in scope and variations to the programmed activities where necessary.
• Programming PLC equipment (such as Rockwell/Schneider/Siemens) using IEC 61131 languages, producing module functions blocks and logic in accordance with the design documentation and engineering standards.
• Work closely with HMI/SCADA and database engineers to develop the control system architecture, producing Network Architecture Diagrams and interfacing documentation to suit, to support the visualisation of plant via an integrated Cyber Secure SCADA system.

Experience and Qualifications

• Significant experience in the design and implementation of PLC control systems.
• Excellent understanding of PLC programming languages (IEC61131), PLC hardware and software, and communication protocols used in industrial (OT) control systems.
• Significant demonstrable experience in EC&I industry (preferably Nuclear) with PLCs.
• Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy and reliability in PLC programming and system design.
• Experience in producing control system functional specifications, detailed design documents and formal Test Specifications to a high-quality level.
• Experience in undertaking formal and controlled testing and validation activities.
• Excellent fault-finding and troubleshooting skills with the ability to analyse complex systems, identify problems, and implement effective solutions.
• Good understanding of design drawings such as Electrical Enclosures, Control System Panels, Motor Control Centres, etc.
• Ability to work as part of an Integrated Delivery Team or individually, working within sometimes restrictive time constraints.
• Experience in highly regulated industries, such as Nuclear, MOD or Pharmaceutical.
• Familiar with Rockwell ControlLogix and/or Schneider M580 PLCs.
• Familiar with integrated HMI and/or SCADA control system applications.
• Experience with OT Cyber Security and the development of cyber secure designs.
• Experience delivering against BS 61508 &/or BS 61511 (Functional Safety).

A Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or related field, or demonstrable evidence of experience with a high emphasis on EC&I engineering using PLCs.

We are an equal opportunities employer and we are always looking to increase the diversity of our workforce, working closely with our clients to ensure everyone is included.